Mad Mike Arrant takes the Main Event at Crown Fighting Championship 8; Results

Mike Arrant celebrates as the Main Event winner Saturday night, CFC 8, MMA fights at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – Crown Fighting Championships was back in mixed martial arts action Saturday night live at the Dixie Center with CFC 8.

Co-founded by Aaron Reis and Scott Ford, Crown Fighting Championships, an MMA organization which held its first MMA event on Sept. 25, 2010, has become a highly anticipated event in St. George.

With five amateur fights and five professional fights, the Dixie Center filled with nearly 1,500 fans as 20 skilled mixed martial artist fighters each took their turn in the cage.

MMA is a full contact combat sport allowing the use of both striking and grappling techniques, with fighters both standing and grappling on the ground. It allows almost every maneuver, and is done within the confines of a large metal cage.

To counter their opponent’s strengths and to remain effective in all the phases of combat, mixed martial artists must cross-train in a variety of styles. From striking – kicks, knees, punches and elbows – to grappling – clinch, pinning, submission, sweeps, takedowns and throws – the fighters of CFC 8 did not disappoint.

“The fights were everything a fan of the sport can expect,” ring announcer Max Ah Quin said. “They were exciting, competitive and bloody.”

To kick the night off, CFC 8 opened with a flawless delivery of the national anthem sung by local songstress McKenzie Turley.

The lighting and music kept the crowd’s adrenaline pumping throughout the show and the ring girls helped keep the excitement alive by throwing out shirts to the audience in between fights.

The CFC 8 main event featured a welterweight bout between Mike “Mad Mike” Arrant and Eddie “Ambien” Jackson, who replaced fighter Danny Davis Jr. due to an injury. The crowd went crazy with cheers when they found out Cuba Gooding Jr. was in the audience to support and watch Jackson fight.

“I know I’ve really found a good fighter when I’m asking around, and trying to match him up but can’t find a fighter who wants to fight him,” CFC matchmaker Reis said. Reis is a black belt Jiu-Jitsu who has been running a fight gym in St. George for over 10 years.

Round-by-round, CFC 8, refereed By Bobby Wombacher, delivered the following results:

Amateur Fights3 rounds, each 3 minutes in duration, with a one-minute rest period in between

Chancey Call (yellow trunks) gets on top of Thomas Hughes, CFC 8, MMA fights at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Chancey Call vs. Thomas Hughes, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

Fight 1:  Chancy Call (Cedar Fight Club) vs. Thomas Hughes (Foley’s MMA)

Round one: Call went for a take down early and then blitzes Hughes with left and right strikes to the head. After a combination of punches, Call went for another takedown only seconds into the fight. Call got the fight to the canvas only to find himself in a tight triangle choke by Hughes. Call tapped out 27 seconds into round one.

Final result: Hughes defeated Call via triangle submission at 27 seconds of the first round. 

Fight 2:  William Collins (ATA MMA) vs. Matt Arrington (Fusion MMA)

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William Collins vs. Matt Arrington, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

Round one: Collins started with a leg kick. Arrington responded with a left and right strike to Collins’ head. After several powerful leg kicks, Arrington started unloading a series of powerful head punches. The ref stopped the fight after a minute and 26 seconds into round one.

Final result: Arrington defeated Collins via TKO at 1:26 of the first round.

Fight 3:  Kyle Gilje (Moab Combat Club) vs. Baron Hollowell (Fusion MMA)

Round one: Hollowell had a lot of striking early on but mostly all misses. The action finally heated up towards the end of the round when Gilje got Hollowell into a rear naked choke. The crowd screamed as Hollowell was able to maneuver out of the hold.

Kyle Glije vs. Baron Hollowell, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Kyle Glije vs. Baron Hollowell, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

Round two: Gilje attacked both the outside and inside of Hollowell’s already injured thigh, landing leg kick after leg kick. Hollowell tried to get a forward choke after a takedown by Gilje. The ref stood both fighters up just before the end of round two.

Round three: Both fighters traded kicks early. There was a kick to the ribs from Hollowell as Gilje responded with more brutal kicks similar to round two. Gilje got another takedown as Hollowell tried to close the guard. Gilje rolled Hollowell and got him in a full mount position triangle just before the end of round three.

Final result: Gilje defeated Hollowell via unanimous decision.

Fight 4:  Aaron Thomson (Absolute MMA) vs. Chris Russell (MMA 24)

Aaron Thompson vs. Chris Russell, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Aaron Thompson vs. Chris Russell, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

Thomson accepted this fight with only two days notice. The fight didn’t last long but it won’t soon be forgotten

Round one: Thomson had a leg kick and a takedown before unleashing a flurry of left punches to Russell’s head. After only 16 seconds the ref stopped the fight and Russell was unable to get up for quite some time. The crowd and Thomson showed Russell respect as he was finally escorted out of the cage.

Final result: Thomson defeated Russell via TKO at 16 seconds of first round.

Fight 5:  Tyson Roberts (Foley’s MMA) vs. Ryan Phillips (Fusion MMA)

Ryan Phillips vs. Tyson Roberts, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Ryan Phillips vs. Tyson Roberts, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

Round one: Roberts came out with an early left and right leg kick. Phillips responded with a clinch against the cage. Roberts tried to put Phillips in a guillotine choke. After the takedown Phillips got Roberts into a triangle choke. Roberts got out of the hold and unleashes several blows to Phillips head before the ref stopped the fight.

Final result: Roberts defeated Phillips via TKO at 2:49 of first round.

Professional Fights3 rounds, each 5 minutes in duration, with a one minute rest period in between

Fight 6:  Jeff Carson (JC Fight Team) vs. Jud Marshall (Fusion MMA)

Jud Marshall vs. Jeff Carson, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Jud Marshall vs. Jeff Carson, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

Round one: The fight went to the canvas early with lots of grappling action. Marshall landed several blows to Carson’s head before pulling him back into a rear naked choke. Carson tapped out at 1:59.

Final result: Marshall defeated Carson via rear naked choke at 1:59 of first round.

Fight 7:  Rudy Cutnose (Fight Kings) vs. Rusty Pearson (Fusion MMA)

Round one: The fight began with a few kicks and jabs but soon ended up on the ground as Pearson picked Cutnose up against the cage and took him down. Pearson kept Cutnose down as he dropped short elbows and hammer fists.

Rusty Pearson vs. Rudy Cutnose, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Rusty Pearson vs. Rudy Cutnose, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

Round two: Much like round one, the majority of the round was spent on the ground as each fighter tested their grappling and Jiu-Jitsu skills. Pearson appeared to have both round one and two.

Round three: Cutnose proved he’s not just a boxer anymore as he submitted Pearson into an arm bar. Pearson tapped out at 1:41 of the round.

Final result: Cutnose defeated Pearson via arm bar at 1:41 of third round.

Fight 8:  Boostayre Nefarios (Navone FT) vs. Dustin Chevalier (Xtreme Couture)

Chevalier: “Fight day! I feel great and I’m ready to get in the cage tonight and let all the hard work I’ve done pay off.”

Boostayre Nefarios vs. Dustin Chevalier, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Boostayre Nefarios vs. Dustin Chevalier, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

Round one: This was a fast paced fight with both fighters exchanging punches and uppercuts early. There was a solid leg kick by Chevalier followed by two return leg kicks by Nefarios. After the third leg kick by Nefarios, Chevalier knocked him to the ground with a right punch. Chevalier unleashed a combo of left and right head punches before the ref stopped the fight.

Final result: Chevalier defeated Nefarios via TKO at 1:21 of first round.

Nefarios: “I went out in the best shape of my life and feeling great but something wasn’t me today & it caught up to me in the cage tonight. I lost by TKO and thought it was premature for a stoppage, especially after still getting up, but I take it with a grain of salt & learn the best way I can because I am a soldier inside and always will be.”

Co-Main Event

Oliver Parker (Moab Combat Club) vs. Jonathan “J.J.” Mix (Drysdale Jiu Jitsu)

Mix: “Feelin’ good! Feelin’ ready! I will be victorious!”

Round one: Mix landed a kick to Parker’s head early, followed by an even more powerful head kick from Parker. The fighters continued exchanging kicks and punches before Parker took the clinch. Mix landed powerful knees while Parker had him up against the cage.

Oliver Parker vs. J.J. Mix, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Oliver Parker vs. J.J. Mix, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

Round two: The fighters were slowing down and getting tired by round two. They continued exchanging kicks before Parker caught one of Mix’s kicks and took him down. Parker got on top of Mix and dropped elbow after elbow to his head.

Round three: Mix seemed to come back with a burst of energy. After several kicks and punches, Parker took Mix back down to the ground where Mix was able to submit and choke until Parker tapped out.

Final result: Mix defeated Parker via TKO at 1:27 of third round.

Mix: “Been awhile since I fought last, took some shots to wake me up and knock the ring rust off but got the win!”

Main Event

Eddie “Ambien” Jackson (Kings MMA) vs. Mike “Mad Mike” Arrant (Pit Elevated)

Arrant: “Getting the mind, body and soul connected before battle … Visualization is a huge part of success as a fighter.”

Mike Arrant vs. Eddie Jackson, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Mike Arrant vs. Eddie Jackson, CFC 8 at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

Round one: Arrant made the first move with a kick to Jackson’s head. There was a powerful body kick from Jackson. Jackson continued landing kicks as Arrant waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. The audience yelled for more fighting action. Arrant found his opportunity and landed a left right combo that stunned and knocked Jackson off balance. Arrant threw a punch combo and then a left knee when Jackson caught his knee and took him to the ground. Jackson unleashed a flurry of punches to Arrant’s head and body just before Arrant flipped him over and got him in an arm bar and the ref stopped the fight.

Final result: Arrant defeated Jackson via arm bar submission at 4:39 of first round.

Jackson: “I’m not one for excuses, but when the ref stops the fight because he heard me make a grunting sound as I’m fighting off an arm bar and not a verbal tap, well then I gotta be a lil’ upset at the call!”

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE PHOTO GALLERY OF CFC 8 SEPTEMBER 28 2013

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.

Mike Arrant celebrates as the Main Event winner Saturday night, CFC 8, MMA fights at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Mike Arrant celebrates as the Main Event winner Saturday night, CFC 8, MMA fights at the Dixie Center, St. George, Utah, Sept. 28, 2013 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News

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9 Comments

  • Tom September 30, 2013 at 7:55 am

    I have to keep asking this question; Why in the world would anyone want to watch, let alone pay to watch, 2 morons destroy what few brain cells they have left? In an area that “prides” itself on “family values” why is this promoted as “entertainment”?

    • Two Dudes? September 30, 2013 at 10:14 am

      I wonder what’s the draw of watching two semi-nude dudes hitting, kicking each other and then grabbing each other and rolling on the floor. Almost looks like a violent porno event where guys are determined to “take” each other by force. How soon will they have semi-nude chicks scratching and biting each other and finally, “taking” each other down on the floor and entwining themselves in front of a cheering audience? You said it, too, regarding “family values”. Maybe they could have a family value event pitting one semi-nude family (mom, dad, tweeners and toddlers) in a hitting, kicking, grappling event against another semi-nude family. Maybe the mayor who supports these family values could take on his opponent’s family in a semi-nude match (ouch! my eyes would bleed) and the winner take all rights to Dixie!

    • DoubleTap September 30, 2013 at 10:19 am

      Keep asking. I’m sure no one cares what you think. But…keep asking. You may be waiting a while before you get an answer.

      • Two Dudes September 30, 2013 at 12:17 pm

        You answered. Do you like watching two semi-nude dude roughing each other up?

      • Hooters! September 30, 2013 at 2:08 pm

        I’d put up a helluva fight with any dude trying to wrap his legs me. He’d lose his junk for sure!

  • Jason September 30, 2013 at 6:28 pm

    To the trollers, how old are you gentlemen? Sounds like you’re from the “golden” era, either that or you are extremely religious and intolerant towards this sport. It’s truly disrespectful to be considered a “savage” or “punk” because I chose to compete in a sport where the way to win is fight your opponent. It’s a combat sport, just like boxing, just like wrestling. It’s offensive to me as a professional athelte when people stereotype us, thinking that we are all ignorant and uneducated. You don’t see me going to your place of employment and degrading you for your career choices. It’s wrong because alot of fighters are college grads with respectable majors. Others like myself who aren’t Mr. Joe College served our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Your opinion is exactly that, your opinion. I won’t bash you for what you have said but instead I will educate you on what it is like to live this life we live. I’m an athlete, husband, father, veteran and at the young age of 28 , I’m living my childhood dream of being a professional athlete. I fight because I love the comptetition, the rush I get from the fans that pay hardearned money to watch us compete. It’s not two drunk rednecks at the local bar street fighting on a Saturday night. Everyone has an opinion, not all are right but it’s a free country. Just think before you speak because we arent savages or uneducated like all you stereotypers like to think. Have a blessed day, goodnight.

    • Yup October 1, 2013 at 9:48 am

      That’s the way a lot of Utah men treat their wives, brutal and physical. Maybe we could call that a “sport” instead of domestic violence. You can call it a sport if you want, but I will call it a barbaric activity.

    • No Sport October 1, 2013 at 3:13 pm

      I don’t think fighting is a sport just as I don’t think wife beating is a sport.

      • DoubleTap October 1, 2013 at 3:41 pm

        Wife beating is a sport in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran. Were is your contempt for those countries treatment of women?

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